Chapter 10 The Wraith King's Return

"You'll never survive this," Isaac muttered, the dark mark spreading like wildfire across his skin. "The Wraith King is unstoppable."

Alistair shook his head, his voice steady but filled with fear. "We'll find a way. We always do."

Isaac groaned, clutching his chest. "You don't understand. He's coming for all of us."

Selene stepped closer, her voice trembling. "We don't have much time. The Wraith King's minions-the Nightborn; they're already attacking."

Alistair's eyes widened. "What? Where?"

"At the town's edge," Selene replied. "They've started to spread fear, just like before."

Isaac leaned against the wall, his face pale. "We won't be able to stop them. The Nightborn... they're too many."

Alistair turned to him, his jaw clenched. "We can't give up. We have to fight them."

Isaac's eyes flashed with pain. "You don't get it, Alistair. The curse is inside me. Soon, I'll be one of them."

Selene's face was filled with worry. "We need to act now. Before the curse takes you completely."

Alistair looked between them, his heart racing. "Isaac, you're still with us. Don't let the Wraith King control you."

Isaac's voice was weak. "It's too late. He's already in my head. I can hear him... whispering."

Alistair grabbed Isaac's arm, desperation in his voice. "Fight him. We need you, Isaac. Don't let him win."

Isaac winced, his body shaking. "I'm... trying. But it's so strong."

Selene bit her lip, stepping forward. "We need to go. Now. The Nightborn are getting closer."

Alistair nodded. "We'll fight them. And we'll find a way to stop the Wraith King."

Isaac pushed himself off the wall, his face pale and drenched in sweat. "You're not listening, Alistair. The Wraith King is unstoppable. He'll

take me first... then you."

Alistair's fists clenched. "I won't let that happen."

Selene's voice was soft but firm. "We have to leave, now. The Nightborn will destroy the town if we don't stop them."

Isaac took a shaky breath. "Even if we fight... it won't be enough."

"We don't have a choice," Alistair said. "We either fight or we let the Wraith King take over everything."

Selene glanced at Isaac, her voice filled with concern. "Can you make it?"

Isaac's face twisted in pain. "I'll try. But don't expect me to stay myself for long."

Alistair nodded, his heart heavy. "We'll keep you safe. Just stay with us."

Isaac gave a weak smile. "I don't know how long I can hold on."

They rushed out of the cave and headed toward the town. The air was thick with tension, and in the distance, they could hear the growls of the Nightborn.

Selene glanced at Alistair. "We have to protect the people. The Nightborn are terrorizing them, spreading fear."

Alistair's jaw tightened. "We'll stop them."

As they neared the town, they saw chaos. The Nightborn, shadowy creatures with glowing eyes, were attacking the outskirts. Houses were burning, and people were screaming.

"Look at them," Isaac whispered, fear clear in his voice. "They're everywhere."

Selene's eyes darted around. "We need a plan."

Alistair took a deep breath. "We split up. Selene, you take the left side of the town. I'll handle the right."

Isaac grimaced, clutching his chest. "And what about me?"

Alistair hesitated. "Stay with Selene. You're not yourself right now."

Isaac shook his head. "I can fight, Alistair. I won't let the Wraith King take me without a fight."

Selene touched Isaac's arm gently. "Stay with me. We'll protect each other."

Isaac nodded, though his eyes were clouded with pain. "Alright. But if I lose control..."

"You won't," Alistair said firmly. "We won't let that happen."

They split up, rushing toward the town. Alistair charged into the chaos, fists swinging as he took down one Nightborn after another. But no matter how many he fought, more kept coming.

"They just keep coming," he muttered under his breath, frustration boiling inside him.

On the other side of town, Selene and Isaac were fighting together. Selene slashed through the Nightborn with precision, but Isaac

struggled, the curse weakening him.

Isaac gasped, his hands trembling. "I... I can't hold on much longer."

Selene grabbed his arm. "Focus, Isaac. You can fight this."

Isaac's eyes glazed over for a moment, his breath shaky. "It's getting stronger."

Selene's heart raced. "Stay with me, Isaac. We can't lose you."

But Isaac's body shook violently, and he collapsed to his knees. "He's... he's inside my head. I can feel him."

Selene knelt beside him, panic rising. "Isaac, fight it. Don't let the Wraith King take you."

Isaac groaned, his face twisted in pain. "I'm trying... but it's... too strong."

Suddenly, a dark energy surged through Isaac's body, and he let out a scream. The black veins of the curse spread rapidly across his skin.

"No!" Selene cried, grabbing his shoulders. "Isaac, stay with me!"

Isaac's eyes turned dark, and his voice was no longer his own. "He's coming, Selene. He's coming for all of you."

Selene's heart pounded in her chest. "Isaac, no... don't let him in."

Isaac's body convulsed, and he let out a low, dark laugh. "It's too late."

Selene backed away, her hands shaking. "Alistair!" she screamed. "Help!"

Alistair heard her from across the town and ran toward them, dodging the Nightborn as he went.

When he reached Selene and Isaac, his heart sank. Isaac was barely recognizable, the curse having consumed him almost entirely.

"Isaac..." Alistair whispered, horror in his voice.

Isaac's eyes, now black as night, locked onto Alistair. "He's coming for you, Alistair. You can't escape him."

Alistair stepped forward, his fists clenched. "Fight it, Isaac. Don't let him control you."

Isaac smiled darkly, his voice filled with malice. "I'm already his."

Alistair's voice broke. "You're stronger than this, Isaac. Don't let the Wraith King win."

Isaac's body trembled, and for a moment, the real Isaac seemed to surface. "Alistair... I'm sorry."

Suddenly, a burst of dark energy exploded from Isaac, knocking both Alistair and Selene to the ground.

Isaac stood over them, his face twisted in pain and rage. "He's coming. And there's nothing you can do to stop him."

Alistair struggled to his feet, his heart racing. "We'll stop him. I swear."

Isaac's voice was cold. "You're too late."

Suddenly, a chilling whisper floated through the air, sending a shiver down Alistair's spine.

"I am coming for you."

Alistair's blood ran cold. The Wraith King was closer than ever.